Giants vs. Patriots Predictions: 6 Players That Should Have Huge Games

The Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants has so many subplots to it, the game seems more like a James Patterson novel than an actual sporting event.

Brady vs. Manning. Coughlin vs. Belichick. The second meeting in four years for the title. The fact the game is being played in Indianapolis after Peyton Manning did not play all season and now looks to be headed for a divorce from the team. Can Eli Manning win and surpass his brother as the better of the two?

Let me catch my breath here.

The game appears to be a dream matchup on paper and one that the NFL and the media sinks their claws into. And yes, all parties involved are hoping for both Eli Manning and Tom Brady to have "huge" games on the sport's greatest stage.

But Manning and Brady aren't alone. There are other players, 20 to be exact, who will be playing on offense and 22 on defense. There will be others who will have the chance to come up big in the game's most crucial moments.

And of course, we media types and those covering the game for television are hoping someone will come out of nowhere and make the impossible seem possible in a blink of an eye.

This is where the Timmy Smiths, Santonio Holmeses and Jack Squireks live in Super Bowl lore.

These players could make a serious impact on the outcome of the Super Bowl this coming Sunday.

Benjarvus Green-Ellis, New England

The running back for the Patriots proved how valuable he was to the team last week by moving through the Ravens' defense for important yards when New England needed them.

"The Law Firm" is not the most flashy runner, nor does he have the best break-neck speed. He is a dependable runner who fights for the most yards he can get, and in the playoffs, and especially in the Super Bowl, those yards could be hard to come by.

There are times when you don't need a 1,000-yard back, just one good workhorse you can ride to the end zone.

Mario Manningham, New York Giants

While the Patriots will be closely watching the movements of both Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, Manningham could be open under the seam or across the middle of the field for a huge day.

Manningham is the forgotten man in the Giants' passing game. He has good speed and caught 39 passes this season and had four scores.

If Manning cannot get the ball into the hands of his two big receivers, then Mannigham is a good safety option to have underneath in the passing routes.

Kyle Arrington, New England Patriots

Just because the Patriots gave up a lot of yards during the season and had some issues with the pass rush, it did not mean everything was lost on the defense.

Kyle Arrington tied for the league lead with seven interceptions this season. Could he be a thorn in Eli Manning's side this coming weekend?

With Patrick Chung back for the playoffs and the appearance of a more stout defense overall, Arrington could be looking to make things a little difficult for Manning to get the ball to his favorite targets.

Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants

Pierre-Paul had his coming out party (16.5 sacks) this season, and it has continued into the postseason.

Does the big defensive end take over the game like Michael Strahan used to do? Can he rattle Tom Brady? Could his play set the tone for the entire game?

Usually, it only takes one huge play to make the difference in a game like this. Could the Giants be one play from him from winning another Super Bowl title?

Does he give us another Richard Dent-like performance?

Danny Woodhead, New England Patriots

He epitomizes everything that is good in football. And he is the modern-day "Rudy" of the NFL.

Woodhead is the classic overachiever, the classic unsung hero, or whatever term you want to use.

You just want him on your team. The 5'7" Woodhead weighs 195 pounds, gives you a good set of legs on short yardage, a good set out hands out of the backfield and a high complete level on special teams. He is also one of those players the Patriots always seem to find that makes them a better team.

You look at Woodhead and immediately think Timmy Smith of the Redskins in Super Bowl XXII. Smith broke off 204 yards rushing and two touchdowns in the 42-10 win over the Broncos.

While Woodhead probably will not get that kind of mileage against the Giants' defense, two scores may give him a spot in Super Bowl history.

Lawrence Tynes, New York Giants

He has won two games that sent his team to the Super Bowl twice. Could he do it again?

Tynes would be an unlikely Super Bowl hero, but it is not unheard of. Adam Vinatieri has done it in the past for New England in clutch playoff and Super Bowl performances.

Now might be the chance for a team to upend the Patriots' hopes and dreams in the final seconds of the game.

Tynes would be the toast of New York if he were to do the unthinkable and win the game with no time on the clock.